Pubdate: Mon, 12 Nov 2007
Source: Herald Sun (Australia)
Copyright: 2007 Herald and Weekly Times
Contact:  http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/187

TIME PLEASE GENTLEMEN

PREMIER John Brumby has correctly identified alcohol as Victoria's 
most serious social problem and the greatest threat to our young people.

Statistics Mr Brumby describes as alarming confirm this legal drug 
creates more widespread problems than illicit drugs such as 
marijuana, amphetamines and heroin.

In an interview with the Herald Sun to mark his first 100 days in 
office, Mr Brumby reveals he has called for an alcohol action plan 
for early next year. It's not a moment too soon.

There has been a massive increase in people being treated for 
alcohol-related problems, and this belated recognition of the scale 
of the problem is welcome.

As this newspaper has reported previously, the explosion of 
late-night liquor licences over the past decade has led to increased 
violence and criminality.

Also, young people have been the targets of amoral marketing.

Mr Brumby accepts that it is no longer enough to treat the symptoms 
of alcohol abuse. We need an attack on the causes.

It is time to consider a range of options, including whether 
alcoholic drinks, such as cigarette packets, should be required to 
carry health warnings.

Education is ultimately the key: the campaign on the dangers of 
cigarettes has cut the number of smokers by more than half.

A similar campaign on alcohol would be costly. But the alternative 
would be worse.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman